Luke 2:18 ~ “And all they that heard it wondered at those things, which were told them by the shepherds.”
John 1:14 KJV ~ “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”
The day after Christmas can feel very quiet. The celebration is over and things are starting to fade in background. The gifts are unwrapped, and all of your presents have been looked at and the world has begun to shift back to its normal routine! Did you hear me say that it is the day after Christmas and all of the food is gone and the decorations are coming down! The stores are already waiting on your exchanges and returns and some stores have already started putting out Valentine’s Day Candy, (and how do I know that, when I went to the store on Christmas Eve, it was out. I love the little confectionery valentine heart candy and I bought a box!) And I know that reflection of this year is on speed dial in your mind as you fill it with your plans for the new year!
So, what are you doing the day after Christmas? Are you still cleaning up the torn packages from yesterday, and have put them away? Or, are you traveling back home or preparing to head back to work? Or, are you contemplating how you are going to spend your extra Christmas cash that you got for gifts? Tell me what difference has this Christmas made in your life? Did you really stop to observe and think about the fact a Savior was born and how this has made a difference in your life this year? Are you living a life that reflects this truth? Or, are you still wondering what all the excitement is about?
It’s a sad thing to know that so many people celebrated Christmas without really understanding the why behind the celebration? Did you include Jesus in your day of celebration? After all it His Birthday! Did you acknowledge Him in His place, that is the center of your celebration, not something to make a part of your checklist or after thought! It’s because of Jesus that you even had that day!
Just to recap what happened yesterday, A Savior was born! He is Christ the Lord! Your Savior grew, lived a sinless life, died on a cross, rose again, and now intercedes between God and man on behalf of you! This is cause alone for a celebration! Jesus is your Friend, the One who sticks closer than a brother! He is waiting on you to unload those who heavy burdens and come to Him. He wants to bless your life with true peace! All the Hope you need was born on yesterday, Christmas Day! Don’t let what took place fade into the background like those presents that you will put in the back of your closet and will not think about them until next year when you are decorating again for Christmas!
But as for you the believer, the truth of Christmas doesn’t not and will not fade, it lingers and transforms every day that follows, for it should be in your heart all the year long and throughout eternity! Today, I want you to dwell on what really took place yesterday and what it truly means for “The Word” to become flesh. In the beginning, the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1). The Word, the fullness of God’s Power, and Purpose, became one when Jesus stepped onto the scene in your brokenness, your weakness, and your need, and not as a distant figure but as Emmanuel, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).
Through Jesus, the promises that God spoke about through the prophets became more than words, it became real. For in Christ, the promise of a Savior was fulfilled, “For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Jesus personified these titles, embodying peace, counsel, and might as He lives among you.
It’s time that you allow the truth of the Incarnation sink deep into your heart. The Word became flesh, and in doing so, He forever changed how you relate to God and others. For God called you to love Him and love others! Let’s really reflect on what took place on yesterday and affects you today. Ask yourself these questions:
- In what areas of your life can you strive to embody “grace and truth,” just as Jesus did?
- How can you share the message of reconciliation with those who feel far from God?
Jesus Christ coming wasn’t just a single historical moment; it was the beginning, and the end, and everything else in between, it is His Presence that will be among you forever. He is still Emmanuel today, tomorrow and forever more! Let the hope of Jesus Christ dwell in you richly as you go about your day (Colossians 3:16). He is not just the Savior of Christmas, He is the Savior of every single day! Live with the assurance that God’s Glory will continue to shine through His Son, both now and always!
Today, is this day, the day after Christmas, and I want you to get this truth at the core of who you are. Jesus didn’t just come into the world as a baby for a fleeting moment. He came as “The Word made flesh,” bringing God’s eternal message of love, redemption, and grace in human form. Just imagine the Word of God walking, talking, laughing, and healing every action embodying the heart of the Father. Jesus Christ is the living Scripture, the Word made flesh that reveals God’s fullness in ways words on a page never could. Through His Glorious Presence, God’s promises became tangible, relatable, and personal just for you!
I want you to take a pause break and reflect on this truth, Jesus Christ wants to dwell on the inside of you, not just for one or two days, He wants to take up permanent residence with you. So, with knowing this, how can you carry His Presence with you in the present going forward? Your life should embody His grace and Truth in your life! The world around you may move on from Christmas, but as believers, you should continue to walk in the light of His arrival and shine as bright as the star that led the shepherds to Him! (Matthew 2:9!)
Let’s Pray:
Father, Thank You for coming into the world, to save me from myself and from sin. I stand in awe of the wonder of Your Word made flesh. Jesus, You are the fullness of grace and truth, that came to dwell among us, showing us Your glory and love. Thank You! Thank You for stepping into my world, and for bringing heaven to earth, and for making Your Presence tangible in my life. Father, help me to remember the depth of this gift, that you have given me, for it is a gift that no one else can ever give, and it’s the Gift that keeps on giving to me and every one who believes in You and Your Word! Father, Thank You for humbling Yourself to walk among them us on this earth and to endure what You had to go through just for me to be here today; You chose to take on my burdens and lead me to salvation. Let my life reflect Your love and remind others of the eternal gift of Your Presence! Father, as I move past the celebration of Christmas, help me never forget the true reason for the season and that is to celebrate You, and to carry Your light into my everyday moments of life. Father may Your Word always dwell richly in my heart and guide me to reflect Your light in the world. Teach me to live in Your Grace and to speak truth in love, and to glorify You in all that I do. Let Your Presence transform my present life, so that others may see Your glory through how I live my life before You and for You!
Blessings…
Love, Minister Jean
